We are in the process of buying a townace from north west imports. Does anyone have any info on this company? Does anybody know if the 2.0 turbo diesel engines in the townace circa 1990 are fitted with intercoolers.
We are going to use the car to tow our caravan so any feedback on the townace as a tow car would be appreciated. Also anyone know where we can get a towbar or roofrack in South Wales.
Thanx - (#831) ali, 19 Aug 01

No townace has an intercooler as standard, I'm in the process of fitting one to mine, although Jeremy Fearn or Allards could probably sort you out with one.
HTH - (#833) David Miller, 19 Aug 01

How does an intercooler help and how much does it cost - (#845) Ralph Penny, 20 Aug 01

When the turbo compresses the intake air, it also heats it. This looses density, and you get less air for your money. An intercooler cools the air back down, increasing it's density. This results in lower emmissions, more power, and better mpgs. Typically 10% more power and the same improvement in economy result, along with better engine longevity.
The downside is the £500 or so cost... - (#846) David Miller, 20 Aug 01

will you let us know how you get on with that - I may consider that - (#850) skippy, 20 Aug 01

Just a thought and, of course, no reflection on David's answer re an intercooler. As you mention that the Townace would be used for towing, did you confuse "intercooler" with "oil cooler" ? If the Townace is an auto, yes, an autobox oil cooler is very desirable especially for towing. I am not sure if the standard auto Townace has an auto cooler. Mine is a Masterace and, yes, the auto oil is circulated up to a subsidiary radiator, built into the main radiator. Having said all that, if you did mean "intercooler" ie, between the turbo and the manifold, I am sure that David would enlighten you further.
Ref Northwest imports, I did not buy my vehicle from them but, have contacted them a couple of times re publications etc and I have found them helpful and enthusiastic. - (#1032) John Davis, 9 Sep 01